Vestiges antiques de Riez

Welcome to Riez, a charming town located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of France. As your tourist guide, I will take you on a journey through the ancient ruins of Riez, which are a combination of Gallo-Roman and medieval structures. Riez is considered to be the former capital of the Reii, a Gaulish tribe that occupied the Saint-Maxime hill before the Roman conquest. The attribution of Riez to the Albices was abandoned after Guy Barruol's research in the 1950s. According to the Archaeological Map of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, it belonged either to the Salyens or the Voconces. The Romans founded a colony in the plain, which later became one of the thirteen Latin law cities of Narbonensis, allowing it to become an important center. Governed by quattuorvirs, it benefited from the construction, in 3 AD, of a road that connected it to Aix and crossed the Verdon at Garruby. A road shown on the Table of Peutinger linked it to Fréjus; finally, a third road is identified towards Digne. The establishment of a settlement is attributed to the presence of an alluvial plain and the line of springs emerging at the foot of the town. The excavations carried out by Benjamin Maillet in 1842, recently resumed, have uncovered a Roman thermal complex. Two necropolises have been excavated, and two others are probable. As we explore the ancient ruins of Riez, we will come across various structures that showcase the town's rich history. One of the most notable structures is the Roman thermal complex, which is a testament to the town's importance during the Roman era. The complex consists of several rooms, including a caldarium (hot room), tepidarium (warm room), and frigidarium (cold room). The complex also has a hypocaust system, which was used to heat the rooms. Another interesting structure is the ancient road that connected Riez to Aix and Fréjus. This road was an important trade route during the Roman era and played a significant role in the town's development. As we continue our tour, we will come across several other structures, including the remains of a medieval castle and a church. These structures are a testament to the town's evolution over the centuries and showcase its rich cultural heritage. In conclusion, Riez is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and culture. Its ancient ruins offer a glimpse into the town's past and provide a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of the region. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on a journey through time as we explore the ancient ruins of Riez.

Location: Riez

Address: Pré de Foire

Source: Wikimedia